Milwaukee Bucks forward Khris Middleton has had a demanding offseason, undergoing arthroscopic surgeries on both ankles to address injuries that hampered him throughout the previous campaign. Despite these setbacks, Middleton is anticipated to be ready for the start of the upcoming NBA season.
Injury Timeline and Surgeries
Middleton's left ankle injury dates back to February 6, when he landed awkwardly on Kevin Durant's foot after a jumper attempt, resulting in a lingering sprain. The play also earned Durant a flagrant foul for occupying Middleton’s landing space. To mitigate the ongoing issues from this event, Middleton underwent an arthroscopic procedure on his left ankle.
Furthermore, a minor arthroscopic surgery was performed in mid-June to clean up lingering issues from another sprain he suffered during Game 2 of Milwaukee's first-round series against the Indiana Pacers. These procedures were crucial to ensure that Middleton can perform at his peak next season. Despite last season’s limitations, which saw him appear in just 33 games due to knee issues, Middleton's perseverance remains a positive sign for the Bucks.
Impact on Team Performance
Middleton's injuries have undoubtedly impacted the Bucks' performance on the court. His MCL sprain in the first round against the Chicago Bulls during the 2022 playoffs was a critical blow, contributing to Milwaukee's elimination by the Boston Celtics in a grueling seven-game series in the second round. The Bucks are keen to compensate for the downtime by strengthening their roster and addressing concerns over durability and age as they look ahead to the new season.
Offseason Moves and Strategy
This offseason, Milwaukee has made significant roster changes. They signed Gary Trent Jr., Taurean Prince, and Delon Wright to minimum-salary deals. However, the most substantial move came when they traded Jrue Holiday in exchange for Damian Lillard. Integrating Lillard into a lineup that prominently features Giannis Antetokounmpo has presented its challenges; the chemistry, particularly in the pick-and-roll between Lillard and Antetokounmpo, did not develop as smoothly as hoped last season.
The integration issues coupled with the advancing age of key players like Brook Lopez, now 36, and Damian Lillard, who just turned 34, pose significant questions for Milwaukee. "Given the perimeter defense the Bucks lost by sending out Jrue Holiday in the Lillard trade, they are going to have to win with an elite offense moving forward," says The Athletic's Shams Charania. This shift in focus underscores the strategic pivot Milwaukee may need to adopt.
Recovery and Future Outlook
Despite the surgeries and the grueling recovery, there is optimism surrounding Middleton's return. He has already started light court work, aiming to be fully prepared for the opening night. His ability to stay healthy and perform at an elite level will be pivotal for the Bucks as they navigate a season filled with high expectations and renewed team dynamics.
As Milwaukee ushers in a new chapter with their offseason acquisitions and Middleton's rehabilitation, the team's ability to adapt will be closely scrutinized. The combination of fresh talent and experienced veterans could be the key to overcoming past disappointments and achieving new heights in the upcoming season. All eyes will be on how this restructured lineup performs under pressure and whether the Bucks' strategic changes will pay off in the long run.